Harvey Carter

Harvey was a classic old-school climber, tough, pragmatic and stubborn. You never knew what you'd get into with him; I've climbed some of the best little gems and the worst chosspiles with Harvey. He could be gruff and blunt in expressing himself, but beneath the intimidating surface was a warmth and genuine enthusiasm for climbing that few people could match. - Michael Kennedy
[Photo] Michael Kennedy

Legendary climber Harvey Carter died of prostate cancer on March 13 at the age of 81. He is remembered in the climbing community for the first ascents of three of the four Fisher Tower spires and The Priest in Utah, as well as hundreds of routes in Glenwood Canyon and Independence Pass, Colorado. In 1970 Carter founded Climbing Magazine. In addition to his climbing, Carter was also an avid skier. He was a member of the Aspen ski patrol throughout the 1960s and 70s and was known to huck cliffs and poach the Aspen backcountry before either of those became popular. More than just a climber and skier, Carter was an inspiration and mentor to the younger generation.